Throwing Out That Old TV in 2015? Not So Fast…

Law? What Law?

Electronics are the largest and fastest growing component of hazardous waste sent to landfills. To mitigate that problem, the New York State Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act enacted as Chapter 99 of the Laws of 2010 establishes annual statewide recycling or reuse goals for all electronics waste and requires manufacturers of covered electronic equipment to establish a convenient system for the collection, handling, and recycling or reuse of discarded electronic waste, starting in 2011. The city rolled out the disposal ban in phases beginning in 2011; the January 1, 2015 date is the final phase.

The Usual Suspects

People can drop off electronics at any Goodwill, Salvation Army, Best Buy, Staples (no televisions), or the Gowanus E-Waste Warehouse. They can also take their unwanted gadgets to recycling events run by the Lower East Side Ecology Center or the New York City Department of Sanitation's (DSNY) SAFE Disposal events. Those who wish to donate or even sell their electronics can do so via the New York City Stuff Exchange.

That's Not Very Convenient

Recycling is great and all, but what happens to New Yorkers who can't readily transport bulky television sets and other large electronics to drop-off events or retail take-back programs? The good news is that apartment buildings with more than 10 units are eligible to enroll in the e-cycleNYC program.

The multiple-dwelling residential electronics-recycling program, initially launched by the DSNY in partnership with Electronic Recyclers International (ERI) in May 2013, offers a free pickup service. The online brochure lists the working and nonworking electronic items that are eligible for pickup. Not on that list: appliances, loose batteries, and light bulbs. The DSNY says the program's goal is to make electronics recycling as easy as possible for New Yorkers. Although building staff does need to coordinate and oversee efforts, it should be much easier than having to take heavy electronics to the curb.

Co-op and condo boards that are interested in participating can enroll online.

About Those Appliances…

Recycle appliances and other housewares that are mostly made of metal or rigid plastic with other rigid plastics, metal, glass, and cartons — but make sure you take out all batteries. You can also throw these out in the trash.

Take rechargeable batteries to any store that sells them, such as a pharmacy, office supply, or hardware store. Rechargeable batteries may contain mercury, cadmium, lead, and other heavy metals, which can be dangerous if not disposed of properly. You can discard alkaline batteries in the trash. Standard alkaline batteries are not considered hazardous waste because they no longer contain mercury.

Drop off compact fluorescent bulbs free at any Home Depot, IKEA, Lowe's, or other participating retailer. You can also take CFLs and other fluorescents to any of the DSNY's household special waste drop-off sites or upcoming SAFE disposal events.

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